Interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography as a major prognostic factor of treatment outcome in newly diagnosed Hodgkin’s lymphoma and optimization of the therapeutic approach

Abstract

Introduction. During the last decade, the interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography has emerged as the most important prognostic factor in patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin?s lymphoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the treatment of patients at the Clinic of Hematology, University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, in order to evaluate the prognostic value of key risk factors, with a particular focus on the role of interim positron emission tomography/ computed tomography. Material and Methods. The study included 22 of 29 patients with a newly diagnosed classic Hodgkin?s lymphoma, i.e. all patients in whom the first therapy response assessment was based on positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan results. Relevant data were collected from medical records. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used for survival analysis. Univariate Cox regression was used to assess the predictive value of each variable for progression-free survival. Results. The study included 13 women (59.09%) and 9 men (40.91%), aged 18 to 73 years (median 39.5 years). Univariate analysis was used to analyze the statistical significance of three examined variables: gender, presence of B symptoms, and complete remission on interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Multivariate analysis was not performed due to the insufficient number of patients for adequate interpretation of results. Conclusion. Interim positron emission tomography/ computed tomography is the main prognostic factor in predicting treatment response and disease outcome in patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin?s lymphoma.